At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning, forecasting, and performance analysis to drive financial insights.
- Company: Dynamic global team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working, global impact, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with occasional travel to other offices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial decision-making and business outcomes.
- Qualifications: Degree educated or relevant experience; interest in accounting qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Planning Analyst within the FP&A function, you will be responsible for leading the end-to-end planning, forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis of the corporate operating expense (OpEx) cost base. Working closely with business leaders and cost centre owners, you will provide financial insight and challenge to support effective decision‑making, ensuring budgets and forecasts are robust, accurate, and aligned to strategic objectives. Through detailed analysis, management reporting, and performance monitoring, you will help drive cost transparency, financial discipline, and improved business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted Finance Business Partner to corporate functions and senior stakeholders, supporting them in understanding cost drivers, managing expenditure, and identifying risks and opportunities.
- Leverage tools such as Excel, Power Query, Power BI, and automation solutions to develop insightful dashboards and reporting that enhance visibility, improve efficiency, and enable proactive management of financial performance across the organisation.
Qualifications
- Degree educated or equivalent relevant experience, with progress toward or interest in studying a professional accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
- Experience delivering and owning dashboard creation, ideally using Power BI, with the ability to turn complex or messy data into clear, reliable and presentation‑ready outputs.
- Experience building effective relationships with stakeholders and providing clear financial support, insight and challenge.
- Good understanding of budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
- Good understanding of OpEx, cost drivers and variance analysis.
Benefits
- Global Impact: With offices in the UK, US, and Australia, and plans for further expansion, you will be part of a dynamic, globally‑minded team, with opportunities to explore new markets and make a difference on a global scale.
- Flexible Working: Embrace the freedom to work from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days a year. We prioritize work‑life balance, recognizing that your well‑being matters.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate our diverse culture and value individuals irrespective of background, disability, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or ethnicity. Join a team where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated as a key driver of growth and innovation.
Working Arrangement
Hybrid working typically means 2 days in the office location listed on this advert and 3 days working at home each week. Some occasional travel to our other offices may be required.
Planning Analyst employer: SmartestEnergy
As a Planning Analyst at our company, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a global impact, you will collaborate with diverse teams while developing your skills in financial analysis and reporting. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your insights drive meaningful business outcomes and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Analyst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like SmartestEnergy. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to SmartestEnergy.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on SmartestEnergy's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartestEnergy
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with SmartestEnergy.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at SmartestEnergy will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former SmartestEnergy employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
